DOJ Seeks to Strip Citizenship From 17 Naturalized Citizens Over Criminal Allegations

The U.S. Department of Justice is moving to revoke the citizenship of 17 naturalized citizens due to criminal allegations, including drug distribution and child abuse. This action follows a broader trend of increased denaturalization cases under President Trump’s second term, as officials implement a zero-tolerance policy for those who misrepresent their past.

Why is the DOJ stripping naturalized citizenship?

The Department of Justice is using the Immigration and Nationality Act to target individuals who allegedly procured their status illegally. This includes those who concealed material evidence or engaged in willful misrepresentation during the naturalization process.

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that gaining U.S. citizenship is a privilege. He noted that the department maintains a zero-tolerance policy for “criminal aliens” who lie about past crimes, including fraudsters, drug dealers, and sexual predators.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin added that those who break U.S. laws or lie during immigration proceedings will forfeit the privilege of being naturalized.

Did You Know? Between 1990 and 2017, the Department of Justice filed a total of 305 denaturalization cases, averaging only 11 filings per year.

Who are the individuals targeted in this latest action?

The 17 individuals targeted in the Monday announcement range in age from 39 to 69. They are immigrants from India, Mexico, Haiti, Colombia, and Cuba.

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Among them is 69-year-old Fernando Cristancho, a Colombian national and ordained Roman Catholic priest. Federal prosecutors allege Cristancho used his church leadership to groom and sexually abuse a parishioner between the ages of 11 and 13, resulting in a 22-year prison sentence for coercion and enticement.

The DOJ is also targeting 40-year-old Ronnie Price of Trinidad and Tobago. Prosecutors allege Price lied about his arrest record despite having pleaded guilty to statutory rape involving a girl under 16.

How have denaturalization numbers changed over time?

Data compiled by Hofstra University law professor Irina Manta shows a significant increase in cases during President Trump’s tenure. During his first term, 168 cases were filed in federal court, averaging 42 per year.

In contrast, the DOJ filed 64 cases over the four years of President Joe Biden’s term, an average of 16 per year. This follows the long-term average of 11 cases per year seen between 1990 and 2017.

Recent reports indicate this trend is continuing. A DOJ source told NewsNation that at least 64 denaturalization cases were filed by March 2025, with another 12 cases added in May.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the government faces a steep uphill battle in these cases because the Supreme Court requires “clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence.” This high legal threshold means the DOJ cannot simply rely on allegations; they must prove a fundamental lack of eligibility at the time of application.

What is the legal process for revoking citizenship?

Federal prosecutors must meet the highest burden of proof established by the U.S. Supreme Court. Citizenship cannot be revoked without evidence that is clear, unequivocal, and convincing.

In criminal cases, the government is required to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The DOJ must demonstrate in federal court that the individual was not actually eligible for U.S. citizenship when they originally applied.

What may happen next?

The DOJ may continue to file additional revocation cases as it adheres to its current zero-tolerance policy. Because these cases involve both civil and criminal charges, they could lead to prolonged legal battles in federal court.

The outcome of these 17 cases may depend on whether the government can meet the Supreme Court’s strict evidentiary standards. If successful, these individuals could lose their legal status and face further consequences based on their specific criminal convictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Under what law can the DOJ revoke naturalized status?
The DOJ uses the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows for revocation if citizenship was procured illegally, through willful misrepresentation, or by concealing material evidence.

What is the burden of proof for denaturalization?
The U.S. Supreme Court requires “clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence” for revocation. In criminal cases, the government must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

How many cases were filed during the Biden administration?
According to data from professor Irina Manta, the DOJ filed 64 cases over four years, averaging 16 per year.

Do you believe the current legal standards for revoking citizenship are too high or too low?